The classic for sure. I like both but those knobs are too close to the pickups on the modern. I tend to swing my pick hand wildly and knock volume knobs around if they're too close Is it weird that that's my sticking point?
Revisiting this video 8 months later, and I had to double take to see if I was the person who posted this comment because I remember thinking the same thing after seeing the V.
I like the tones you got from the 76 over the 84. Those passive pickups sounds so much better to my ears. Plus it’s a bonus for me being it’s modeled after the 76 explorer and I was born in 76.
@@agufish I'll be putting a beating on it! Most likely going to drop bkp Warpigs in it. I've always wanted a Korina style Explorer and when I saw it in your unboxing video I was all over it haha this through my 5150iii and orange 4x12 is going to make a gnarly rig for my hardcore band 🤘
your vids just keep getting better man. not even a big metal guy but your videos have gotten so great to watch and the demo track slapped. appreciate the content
Just ordered mine yesterday! Now the painful WAIT... (Seriously, nice review, Hunter. Thank you for A/B-ing the two versions. Really helped me make up my mind.)
Man, I wanted to hear more of the mixed track. Definitely one of my favorites. I'm partial to the classic as it gives me a Coheed and Cambria vibe. Anyways, keep up the good work Hunter.
You cannot beat the price, it looks great, like a $1,000+ guitar level. I have a Kelliher Explorer, it has trapezoid fretboard inlays, uncommon for Explorers, (but the Edge's beloved 1976 is a dot like most Explorers), Kelliher's also has push pull knobs for coil splitting. I think this Harley Benton could sell more, at twice the price, if it offered something simple yet rare, just a four knob version, two volume knobs and tone knobs.
Man, Hunter, thank you for reviewing this EX! I've been anxious for this ever since the "Sneak' preview. Tried to order this guitar last week, but Thomann doesn't have any in stock at the moment, so I chickened out. They will request them as the orders come in though, so I'm still going to order one soon. I am a long time Explorer player, but my '81 model CMT has the chunkiest neck, and I am so tired of trying to fight with it. I did have it re-fretted with jumbo frets several years ago and I can tell people for sure, it DOES make a better playing instrument (as far as lead work). Jumbo frets just make it much easier to gets notes from hammer-ons and pull-offs. Also makes vibrato and bends a lot more fun and easy to do. Anyway, thanks again! Can't wait to get one and probably put a Seymour Duncan JB in it and keep the Roswell neck pickup. They're not too bad. I had a XT-22 Paradise Flame with Roswells in it. It was a beautiful guitar but I couldn't get the right ergonomic "fits me perfect" feeling from it. However, I usually do get that fit with explorer style guitars.
Really dig the song you made for this dude! Really showed off the versatility of the guitar... I'm so into the idea of an explorer style guitar. Now if you can convince Harley Benton to do something in this spec with a satin finish with a cool colour/wood grainy vibe.
I'm blown away. Literally the only thing stopping me buying this is the thick poly finish. Get a satin finished one with these specs and I'm buying asap.
I placed an order when I saw the neck joint and the locking tuner. Me loving vintage guitars, and thos specs for the price (328€ all included, gold hardware version) it's a bargain. This neck looks so smooth to play, cant wait. Allready looking on what to add on it, got a gold Les Trem II laying around gonna put it on these baby.
Awesome guitar. At first glance looks just like my 2018 Explorer with SD Antiquities, but for way less money. The smaller form factor is nice too. Great job Hunter and HB! Enjoyed the riffage at the beginning too. God bless and rock on 😎👍🎸
Hey Hunter! Love your work! When all of this dies down, and when you're done with the guitars you unboxed of course, can you please take a look at the Yamaha Pacifica 612 V-II? It's a super-strat with all the specs you love, at a objectively great price and I have not seen a satisfactory review so far. Hope to see your take on it. Good luck and stay safe!
Cool!! This reminds of that main dude from Lynyrd Skynyrd!!!! (The guitar, not Hunter). I actually like these natural wood ones - they have character. I feel these would be very versatile with these Passive Pickups. If I wanted an Explorer for JUST FOR METAL I probably wouldn't go Harley Benton, probably go ESP/LTD or Epiphone with EMGs or something. So in my opinion I feel the guitar featured in THIS video actually offers a better all rounded instrument than the previous Harley Benton White explorer with actives. Rock on.
Well, I bought the authentic version of it a couple of weeks ago and it rocks. Curious about a direct comparison between my 2020 authentic model and this one.
These guitars always are in my sights. I’m going to go ahead and order both the 84 and 76. No idea when the 76 will come though, the Thomann site doesn’t have a date.
Hey dude, doubt you’ll see this comment but I’m thankful for you helping to create this model, I got mine just before they stopped selling them, which I guess mean top marks from Gibson as well haha
Some say he once took the spokes off a DR650 and made them chug through Peavy 6505 because he was out of XL's. And he's been known to drop a few Euros on a shady single-cut in Amsterdam in the red light district. All we know is, he's called Der Fish!
This video serves as conclusive proof that you can sell me just about anything 🤷♂️ Any chance you'll be demoing the ST-62s? I've just bought one so I'd be interested to hear your thoughts
The modern sounds great clean but muddy and indestinct with overdrive where as with the traditional the situation is reversed. Still, I would go into purchasing one with the idea of switching pickups fairly quickly.
Not really. The EX-84s only have two knobs, and the selector switch is in a completely different position. The Deans also have a string through body design, which is something entirely unique to that model.
My favorite HB model so far, other than your signature sold out singlecuts. If I had the money, that's what I would buy, only in the gold hardware/black pick guard variation. Any flying Vs coming up?
So I just google searched last night for used Explorer guitars and I have to say that for at least a few years now, the Explorer body shape is in demand and people are exploiting that in the market. This is the cheapest Explorer you can buy used or otherwise ANYWHERE. I sold an MIK Hamer Standard for $200 a few years back and it's been impossible to replace on a similar budget. I regret the hell out of it.
I want one of these, but a custom version with SS frets and block inlays with Luminlay side dots and a satin finish on the back of the neck. PLEASE THOMANN READ MY COMMENT. lol Great video though buddy.
I've said it before like the other one. Nice guitar but a swing and a miss on the headstock. Either pointier or hockey shaped would be better. All the rest I like.
I think the EX-84 moderns come w/ EMGs and grover locking tuners. that's what it says on the website. for 400 USD. Might be something I'd get now that they're upgraded w/ these. I'm not a big EMG fan w/ actives I prefer Fishmans or Seymour blackouts but for 400 bucks..might have to get one.
What about the ex-76 bk tho? I don't see vids or info about it anywhere, only the older models (round back horn or the gold knob versions). I'm almost worried it's not a part of this new series..
so what's your contribution to these? are you allowed to say? who designed the headstock? it's kind of almost there. i can totally make friends with it when needed. way better than any other iterations (aside of the original).
Have you reviewed or willing to review Harley Benton EX-76 GHW AN? btw, is EX-76 Classic and EX-76 GHW AN have the same specs and output, only different look?
I can appreciate the review and semi-commitment to the company but theres no way the dudes in Mastodon would touch these. Their guitar vaults and Euro B rigs alone would bring a man to tears
I'm definitely more into the "Hetfield-y" ones, but it was a lot closer than I thought... Modern or Classic? What's your bias??
More of the Modern look, but with a more of a Classic sound. It's a nice blend of looks and tone.
The classic for sure. I like both but those knobs are too close to the pickups on the modern. I tend to swing my pick hand wildly and knock volume knobs around if they're too close
Is it weird that that's my sticking point?
Agufish I don’t have a particular bias against classic or modern, I feel it is situational.
I like both of them.
Hunter, stop telling people that it's "aged white". The guitars people are getting are "arctic white".
You fixed the explorer shaped HBs now fix the Flying V please
this comment is underappreciated
Yes please... And make a rr version too
This
Revisiting this video 8 months later, and I had to double take to see if I was the person who posted this comment because I remember thinking the same thing after seeing the V.
I just want them to make a firebird style guitar
One of your best compositions Hunter. The cleans sounded fantastic.
Thanks man!
I like the tones you got from the 76 over the 84. Those passive pickups sounds so much better to my ears. Plus it’s a bonus for me being it’s modeled after the 76 explorer and I was born in 76.
Hmm, bit of "the edge" vibe to that mixed track, makes sense, he's a big fan of the old korina explorers. Good transitions into the heavy riff too.
Hahaha he was runner-up to be in the title/thumbnail!
@@agufish as soon as I heard you play, I was thinking that sounds a lot like the edge! Good stuff.
Out of all the new additions to the EX style guitars this one is my favorite look and sound. Absolutely incredible..
I bought the 76 with gold hardware and black pickguard the second I saw they went up. Can NOT wait for this guitar to show up.
Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on it!
@@agufish I'll be putting a beating on it! Most likely going to drop bkp Warpigs in it. I've always wanted a Korina style Explorer and when I saw it in your unboxing video I was all over it haha this through my 5150iii and orange 4x12 is going to make a gnarly rig for my hardcore band 🤘
loved the b-roll in the intro this time.
And ofc as usual the intro was amazing.
your vids just keep getting better man. not even a big metal guy but your videos have gotten so great to watch and the demo track slapped. appreciate the content
Man, I'm gonna have to get me one of these. Too sharp
Looks like harley benton has really stepped up. The amarok looks pretty amazing for the price too. Thanks for a another review man!!
Just ordered mine yesterday! Now the painful WAIT... (Seriously, nice review, Hunter. Thank you for A/B-ing the two versions. Really helped me make up my mind.)
Man, I wanted to hear more of the mixed track. Definitely one of my favorites. I'm partial to the classic as it gives me a Coheed and Cambria vibe. Anyways, keep up the good work Hunter.
I'm seriously considering getting one of these... looks incredible
Dude, favourite intro in a long time. Sounded superb!
Really really looking forward to getting one of these, I've been wanting an Explorer for a LONG time.
Should of made a pringle-burst finish. With a bone nut.
Fuck you’re a genius. Pringle approves 🐶
@@agufish OUTSTANDING!
Tusq, bone, doesn't matter.
You cannot beat the price, it looks great, like a $1,000+ guitar level. I have a Kelliher Explorer, it has trapezoid fretboard inlays, uncommon for Explorers, (but the Edge's beloved 1976 is a dot like most Explorers), Kelliher's also has push pull knobs for coil splitting. I think this Harley Benton could sell more, at twice the price, if it offered something simple yet rare, just a four knob version, two volume knobs and tone knobs.
Man, Hunter, thank you for reviewing this EX! I've been anxious for this ever since the "Sneak' preview. Tried to order this guitar last week, but Thomann doesn't have any in stock at the moment, so I chickened out. They will request them as the orders come in though, so I'm still going to order one soon. I am a long time Explorer player, but my '81 model CMT has the chunkiest neck, and I am so tired of trying to fight with it. I did have it re-fretted with jumbo frets several years ago and I can tell people for sure, it DOES make a better playing instrument (as far as lead work). Jumbo frets just make it much easier to gets notes from hammer-ons and pull-offs. Also makes vibrato and bends a lot more fun and easy to do. Anyway, thanks again! Can't wait to get one and probably put a Seymour Duncan JB in it and keep the Roswell neck pickup. They're not too bad. I had a XT-22 Paradise Flame with Roswells in it. It was a beautiful guitar but I couldn't get the right ergonomic "fits me perfect" feeling from it. However, I usually do get that fit with explorer style guitars.
These guitars sound really good, you can't go wrong. Great review.
Really dig the song you made for this dude! Really showed off the versatility of the guitar... I'm so into the idea of an explorer style guitar. Now if you can convince Harley Benton to do something in this spec with a satin finish with a cool colour/wood grainy vibe.
Good Review. Might buy the one with Black Scratchguard and Gold Pickup Covers. Looks stunning.
Mastodon is my favorite always has been and always will be
If I had a dollar for each time you sustained a D chord at the end of your improvisations, I could buy all the Jimmy Clips in the world
This video is the reason why I bought the EX-76 and I don’t regret it
The white one was super ugly in my honest opinion but I’m really digging this.
We have the same taste
I feel like a black pickguard might help with its looks
The classic look is better
I'm blown away. Literally the only thing stopping me buying this is the thick poly finish. Get a satin finished one with these specs and I'm buying asap.
I placed an order when I saw the neck joint and the locking tuner. Me loving vintage guitars, and thos specs for the price (328€ all included, gold hardware version) it's a bargain. This neck looks so smooth to play, cant wait. Allready looking on what to add on it, got a gold Les Trem II laying around gonna put it on these baby.
Gold hardware version is well worth the extra 30. It looks great.
Awesome guitar. At first glance looks just like my 2018 Explorer with SD Antiquities, but for way less money. The smaller form factor is nice too. Great job Hunter and HB! Enjoyed the riffage at the beginning too. God bless and rock on 😎👍🎸
That’s a really nice guitar! Great review!
Man that demo track was really somthing👍👍👍
Hey Hunter! Love your work!
When all of this dies down, and when you're done with the guitars you unboxed of course, can you please take a look at the Yamaha Pacifica 612 V-II? It's a super-strat with all the specs you love, at a objectively great price and I have not seen a satisfactory review so far. Hope to see your take on it.
Good luck and stay safe!
That was the best demo track ever
It just looks so classy 😍
Wow, your demo was amazing!
Cool!! This reminds of that main dude from Lynyrd Skynyrd!!!! (The guitar, not Hunter). I actually like these natural wood ones - they have character. I feel these would be very versatile with these Passive Pickups. If I wanted an Explorer for JUST FOR METAL I probably wouldn't go Harley Benton, probably go ESP/LTD or Epiphone with EMGs or something. So in my opinion I feel the guitar featured in THIS video actually offers a better all rounded instrument than the previous Harley Benton White explorer with actives. Rock on.
Well, I bought the authentic version of it a couple of weeks ago and it rocks. Curious about a direct comparison between my 2020 authentic model and this one.
Happy NGD!! Not sure I’ll be able to get a Gibbo any time soon, but an Epiphone shoot out might be possible 🤔
@@agufish Cool, yeah, that'd be a fun one.
@@agufish btw I've finally subscribed after watching 20+ vids. :P Fully deserved. Looking forward to more content.
These video's are that good it makes me want to buy one even tho i have no money lol
The only thing left for me would be to throe a set of pafs in there, finally a refined version of this classic
These guitars always are in my sights. I’m going to go ahead and order both the 84 and 76. No idea when the 76 will come though, the Thomann site doesn’t have a date.
The Classic looks killer and I always drop off my new guitar asap to my tech who swaps out the PU's to my fav's
Hey dude, doubt you’ll see this comment but I’m thankful for you helping to create this model, I got mine just before they stopped selling them, which I guess mean top marks from Gibson as well haha
Killer guitar, definitely something i'm looking at buying
Just wanna point out it's actually listed at €329
It jumped up in the last couple of weeks. I was looking at the one with the black scratchplate and gold hardware and that's now €360
How much is an E dollar? In American
Hugh tube 1 Euro is about 1.09 USD
Really dig the headstock
harley benton seems cool, i wonder if theyre gunna consider making a firebird, i love those guitars
If I see Hunter and Billy K in one thumbnail I gotta see it even though I don’t like budget guitars.
Hahaha *clickbait managed*
Agufish Lol yeah. I like Harley Benton in a way but I’m a PRS fanboy
really nice demo song
Dig the EX-76.
Notification Squad! ASSEMBLE!
I really like that guitar. Sounds better than the actives.
I like the overall look of the classic vs the modern. And I kinda prefer the sound of the classic as well.
I owned the Gibson 76 model that I got in 1976 for Christmas. It got destroyed when I stupidly loaned it to a friend. I want this!
You know, mod this thing with gold hardware and different pickups and you sorta have Lee Malia on a budget I'd say
I like the look of this one more than. The 84 myself. Only change would be to swap in either a jb/59 combo or Fishman classics and it's done.
I'm not even a guitarist but I love watching your content. I am, however, a bassist
Lol I’m ok with that 😂
Some say he once took the spokes off a DR650 and made them chug through Peavy 6505 because he was out of XL's. And he's been known to drop a few Euros on a shady single-cut in Amsterdam in the red light district. All we know is, he's called Der Fish!
Sounds good, looks good! ☠️☠️☠️🤟🏼
Patiently waiting for the V
I dig it the head stock doesn't look that bad ither better then the ones they had before this
This video serves as conclusive proof that you can sell me just about anything 🤷♂️ Any chance you'll be demoing the ST-62s? I've just bought one so I'd be interested to hear your thoughts
The Demo track sounds amazing! Have you thought about making some music to realse on spotify or something like that?
The modern sounds great clean but muddy and indestinct with overdrive where as with the traditional the situation is reversed. Still, I would go into purchasing one with the idea of switching pickups fairly quickly.
Man I just now realized, these guitars look lot more like the dean zero (Dave Mustaine) then the esp's
Not really. The EX-84s only have two knobs, and the selector switch is in a completely different position. The Deans also have a string through body design, which is something entirely unique to that model.
@@sleepdeep305 dude this are small details, without it it's pretty much a zero
@@guitarrilho502 or more like the gibson explorers? maybe.
My favorite HB model so far, other than your signature sold out singlecuts. If I had the money, that's what I would buy, only in the gold hardware/black pick guard variation. Any flying Vs coming up?
So I just google searched last night for used Explorer guitars and I have to say that for at least a few years now, the Explorer body shape is in demand and people are exploiting that in the market. This is the cheapest Explorer you can buy used or otherwise ANYWHERE. I sold an MIK Hamer Standard for $200 a few years back and it's been impossible to replace on a similar budget. I regret the hell out of it.
I love how the 84 sounds, but love how the 76 looks sighhhhh
I want one of these, but a custom version with SS frets and block inlays with Luminlay side dots and a satin finish on the back of the neck. PLEASE THOMANN READ MY COMMENT. lol Great video though buddy.
You should check out the new Sterling Jason Richardson Cutlass that came out, it's amazing
Waiting untill the v's all get upgrades to this level. Oh and we need an 80s shred guitar
Fingers crossed for a pro spec classic V =)
You might have been on fence with this one, but at least you EXPLORED all your options! eh? EH?
I'll let myself out
I've said it before like the other one. Nice guitar but a swing and a miss on the headstock. Either pointier or hockey shaped would be better. All the rest I like.
Set through neck? .... somewhere between a set neck and a through neck? both/neither?
I think the EX-84 moderns come w/ EMGs and grover locking tuners. that's what it says on the website. for 400 USD. Might be something I'd get now that they're upgraded w/ these. I'm not a big EMG fan w/ actives I prefer Fishmans or Seymour blackouts but for 400 bucks..might have to get one.
What is the body size comparison to a Gibson? It looks small. Sounds good.
I've gotta wait a while before I can buy another guitar. Its nothing to do with money,I just cant deal with the telling off 😂😂
I really miss the "Simon says" section in your reviews
What about the ex-76 bk tho? I don't see vids or info about it anywhere, only the older models (round back horn or the gold knob versions). I'm almost worried it's not a part of this new series..
so what's your contribution to these? are you allowed to say? who designed the headstock? it's kind of almost there. i can totally make friends with it when needed. way better than any other iterations (aside of the original).
The ex 76 and the ex 84 series don't have locking tuners apparently. Why?
Save $, yet charge more for the guitar. Pure greed
Sick guitar! Have you checked out Wolf Guitars? If not, they're definitely worth a look
I wish Harley Benton would do something about their branding. Logo looks very cheesy/low-budget.
Harley Benton needs to do an HSS fusion2.
I think if the did more glitter finish with a hss option, a ton of us old 80's guys would jump all over it.
Yep lol
That title clickbait makes me want to die hunter.
HB does built really great guitars....
What would you compare the feel, profile and thickness of the neck to?
I wanted to order this model but has been sold out for a while.
Are you gonna do the epiphone 60's standard? I wanted a custom but I'm hoping they put out a silverburst down the line. So I might get the 60's first.
I think I’ve got a 50s standard in a box in my kitchen... not sure about a 60s tho lol
I would like to check out some of their higher end guitars. If you get this for $300 I'm wondering what you get for a grand
The specs would be good. But honestly I’m not sure the QC is there yet...
Yes but does it neck dive while standing?
We need a lefty Harley Benton explorer. But like for real. And the weird shaped on the market now doesn't count.
Have you reviewed or willing to review Harley Benton EX-76 GHW AN?
btw, is EX-76 Classic and EX-76 GHW AN have the same specs and output, only different look?
I can appreciate the review and semi-commitment to the company but theres no way the dudes in Mastodon would touch these. Their guitar vaults and Euro B rigs alone would bring a man to tears
Sorry Dude. My bad. I encouraged him to embellish a little. This is a great channel with too few subscribers. :-)
Would the ex-76 be good for thrash metal?
Hey brother I ordered a ex84 and stupidity ordered a lefty,trying to ship bk but they say$ 1,200
Came here for the guitar, stayed because there was an appearance of Pringle
Hey hunter is the explorer looking guitar the one that came while you were in the kitchen opening boxes
Yessir. Finally able to make these videos!
Could you put a gibson or epiphone pick guard on this?
What have you been listening to?
Dude could totally hear Myles Kennedy singing on this!
that's actually one of the best compliments I've ever gotten
Agufish thanks man! Love the awesome songs and content!